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SCRIPTURE- Psalm 86:11-12"Teach me, LORD, your way that I may walk in your truth, single-hearted and revering your name. I will praise you with all my heart, glorify your name forever, Lord my God."REFLECTION- UmbertoMUSIC- Wait for The Lord sung by the SATB Choir, CanadaNOTES- PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 27:14"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?"REFLECTION- LaurenMUSIC- NOTES- Blog: Martha and Mary of Bethany: Who Again?PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 145:8–18What do you do when loneliness starts to make you question God's nearness? Today's Scripture reminds us that God does not ask us to come with polished words, tidy emotions, or perfect faith. God draws near when we call on him in truth. This episode will help you bring your actual self into God's presence, including the parts of you that feel angry, unseen, disappointed, or far away. You'll learn:*Why loneliness can begin to distort how you see God*What it means to call on God “in truth”*Why honesty with God creates connection instead of distance*How spiritual performance can leave hurting parts of you alone*One simple way to reach for God when you cannot feel His nearness Go Deeper:Read The Secure Soul to learn how to recognize the parts of you that feel far from God and return to His loving presence. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Penitential Psalms | Psalm 51Part 7 of The Psalms: A Complete Guide to Honest Prayerwith Chris NicholsHow do you move beyond guilt and regret?In this message from Psalm 51, Chris Nichols explores one of the Bible's most powerful prayers of confession. Written after King David's greatest moral failure, Psalm 51 reminds us that God doesn't ask us to hide our brokenness—He invites us to bring it honestly into His presence.The Penitential Psalms teach us that repentance is not about earning God's forgiveness or living in shame. It's about trusting God's mercy, telling the truth about ourselves, and allowing Him to create something new within us. Confession isn't the obstacle to intimacy with God—it is the pathway back to it.In this episode you'll learn:Why confession leads to freedom instead of condemnationHow Psalm 51 models authentic repentanceThe difference between apology and confessionWhy shame keeps us stuck while grace sets us freeWhat it means to ask God for a new heartHow repentance changes the direction of our livesWhy your failures don't have to define your storyNo matter what you've done or how far you've wandered, God's invitation remains the same: return home. Through His mercy, forgiveness, and transforming grace, He continues to restore what sin has broken.Scripture: Psalm 51; Exodus 34:6-7; Luke 23:34Find more messages and resources from COMMUNITY:https://communitychristian.orgDaily devotionals and prayer resources:https://communitychristian.org/daily
What does it mean to live a life well? Psalm 90 is a prayer that speaks honestly about the shortness of life, the seriousness of sin, and the pain of living in a broken world. It reminds us that God has been the dwelling place of His people in every generation and invites us to pray, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” In this message from the Invitations From God in the Psalms series, we explore how Psalm 90 helps us face life honestly. Our days are limited. Our world is broken by sin. Our pain is real. But God is eternal, faithful, merciful, and near. This sermon looks at God's eternal nature, our fallen nature, and the hope of redemption in Jesus Christ. Psalm 90 ultimately points us to Jesus, the second Adam, who came to reverse the curse of sin, defeat death, and begin the restoration of all things.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112Preacher: Seth Brill
The Law of the LORD is Perfect Mark Donaldson Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on July 19, 2026 at ElmCreek Community Church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: Psalm 19.
This week's sermon, The Gospel of Guilt: Learning to Listen, Not Run, explores one of the most powerful and often misunderstood emotions in the spiritual life: guilt. Drawing from Psalm 51 and real-life moments (including one about staying up past bedtime as a kid), Rev. Shawn Garan reflects on the difference between toxic guilt and healthy guilt. He invites us to consider how both Scripture and psychology can help us face guilt without shame and find the grace hidden inside it.With insights from Carl Jung, warm humor, and pastoral care, this message offers a new way to think about guilt. It does not have to trap us. It can guide us. And it might just bring us back to God.Scripture: Psalm 51:1–12
Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere to hide from God's presence. At first that can feel unsettling. God sees us at our best and our worst. But this Scripture is not about surveillance, it is about love. To be known by God is not to be shamed, but to be healed. Not to be condemned, but to be made whole.In this sermon we explore what it means to be fully seen by God, how to live honestly in God's gaze, and how practices like prayer, reflection, and community draw us deeper into fellowship with the One who knows us completely and loves us still.
Pastor Jordan shares Thursday's devotional podcast from Bible Fellowship Church. [Scripture: Psalm 49]
Today's Scripture: Psalm 77:1–12 What do you do when you believe in God, keep showing up, and still feel nothing? Today's Scripture gives language for spiritual desolation — the ache of crying out to God and not feeling comforted. This episode helps you bring honest questions to God, understand why distress can make it hard to feel what you know, and practice remembering when God feels far away. You'll learn:*Why not feeling God does not mean you are outside the life of faith*How Psalm 77 gives permission for honest questions*Why distress can narrow your sense of what is true*How remembering becomes a practice of spiritual reorientation*What to do when faith feels more like an ember than a flameGo Deeper: Pre-order The Secure Soul and learn how to reconnect with the parts of you that feel distant from God. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support.While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Imprecatory Psalms | Psalm 94Part 6 of The Psalms: A Complete Guide to Honest Prayerwith Dave FergusonHow should followers of Jesus respond to anger and injustice?In this message from Psalm 94, Dave Ferguson explores one of the most surprising types of prayer in Scripture—the Imprecatory Psalms. These prayers give voice to our deepest frustration over evil and injustice while teaching us to place judgment where it belongs: in God's hands.Rather than suppressing our anger or acting on it, the Psalms invite us into honest conversation with God. Through Psalm 94, we discover that God is not threatened by our strongest emotions. He welcomes them, meets us in them, and gradually transforms our outrage into trust.In this episode you'll learn:Why the Bible includes Imprecatory PsalmsHow to pray honestly when you're angryWhat Psalm 94 teaches about justice and God's characterWhy naming injustice is part of healingHow to entrust vengeance to God instead of carrying it yourselfHow Jesus modeled trust in the face of suffering and injusticeIf you've ever wondered where to take your anger, your grief, or your unanswered questions about evil in the world, this message offers a biblical pathway toward hope, healing, and deeper trust in God.Scripture: Psalm 94; Psalm 22; Romans 12:19Find more messages and resources from COMMUNITY:https://communitychristian.orgDaily devotionals and prayer resources:https://communitychristian.org/daily
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104Preacher: Seth Brill
Pastor Richard & Lady Cassandra Dobbs minister together from Psalm 119:9-11 on the importance of a parent hiding the Word in their heart. When they hide the Word in their heart, then the youth can better be equipped to hide the Word in their heart so that they might not sin against God. Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11 9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
The Great Life Preserver Mark Donaldson Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on July 12, 2026 at ElmCreek Community Church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: Psalm 16
Pastor Richard & Lady Cassandra Dobbs minister together from Psalm 119:9-11 on the importance of a parent hiding the Word in their heart. When they hide the Word in their heart, then the youth can better be equipped to hide the Word in their heart so that they might not sin against God. Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11 9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers
What if the secret to contentment isn't having more—but following the right Shepherd?In this episode of the Wisdom Calling podcast, we pause our chronological journey through the life of David to reflect on one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture: Psalm 23. Though familiar to many, this timeless psalm offers profound wisdom for Christian professionals, leaders, and anyone wrestling with restlessness, fear, comparison, or the relentless pursuit of "more."David doesn't merely teach us how to be content—he points us to the One who alone can satisfy. As we unpack Psalm 23, we'll discover three beautiful portraits of God as our Provider, Protector, and Director, and consider what it means to trust the Good Shepherd in every area of life and work.Whether you're navigating a major decision, feeling overwhelmed by ambition, or simply longing for greater peace, this episode will encourage you to slow down, examine what is truly shepherding your life, and rediscover the rare jewel of contentment found only in God's faithful presence.Key Takeaways:Why contentment begins with the Shepherd—not your circumstances.How God provides, protects, and directs His people.Three practical questions to help you identify what is truly shepherding your life.Why Psalm 23 remains one of the Bible's most relevant passages for modern leaders and professionals.This episode is based on Devotional 62: "The Rare Jewel of Contentment" from the Wisdom Calling devotional series.You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.orgFollow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 51"Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise. For you do not desire sacrifice* or I would give it; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn."REFLECTION- Jen MUSIC- Music Momentary by Choir- Om So Hum Mantra by Malte MartinPRAYERTo You, do I belong O GodInto Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.NOTES-
Heavenly Father,Scripture: Psalm 23:4Keywords: Shepherd; direction; valleys; shadow; omniscient; present.Best of, Summer.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 37:1–8 What do you do when someone who hurt you seems to be winning? Today's Scripture speaks into the anger, grief, resentment, and fixation that can rise up when people do harm and appear to get away with it. This episode helps you care about justice without letting someone else's wrongdoing take over your inner life. You'll learn: *Why “do not fret” means more than “do not worry” *How your nervous system can get locked onto someone else's wrongdoing *The difference between righteous concern and corrosive fixation *Why Psalm 37 is grounding, not spiritual bypassing *One question to ask: What is mine to do, and what is God's to hold? Go Deeper: Share this episode with someone who's struggling to stop replaying what happened. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wisdom Psalms | Psalm 1Part 5 of The Psalms: A Complete Guide to Honest Prayerwith John CiesniewskiHow are you being formed?Every day we're shaped by the voices we listen to, the content we consume, and the habits we cultivate. In this message from Psalm 1, John Ciesniewski explores how Wisdom Psalms invite us to become people whose lives are deeply rooted in God's Word rather than the shifting values of our culture.Psalm 1 contrasts two paths—the way of wisdom and the way of folly—and reminds us that spiritual formation happens slowly through everyday choices. Like a tree planted beside streams of water, those who delight in God's instruction develop a resilient faith that bears fruit through every season of life.Most transformation happens beneath the surface. As we consistently meditate on Scripture and remain rooted in Christ, God shapes us into people of wisdom, stability, and lasting joy.In this episode you'll learn:Why wisdom is formed through daily choicesHow culture quietly shapes our thinkingWhat it means to meditate on God's WordWhy lasting spiritual growth requires deep rootsHow Jesus perfectly fulfills Psalm 1Practical ways to cultivate a resilient faithWhether you're seeking greater spiritual maturity or looking to establish healthier rhythms with God, this message offers practical encouragement to stay rooted in the One who gives life.Scripture: Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 1:30Find more messages and resources from COMMUNITY:https://communitychristian.orgDaily devotionals and prayer resources:https://communitychristian.org/daily
Where do you run when life feels unstable? Psalm 71 gives us a picture of someone facing affliction, accusation, aging, weakness, and uncertainty. The psalmist asks God to be a “rock of refuge” to which he can continually come. In other words, he asks God to be his home. This message explores how we often build homes for our anxious hearts through control, success, family stability, reputation, finances, or the dream of a life that cannot be shaken. But when affliction and accusation come, those homes cannot hold. The good news of Psalm 71 is not that Christianity promises an easy or stable life. It does not. The promise is that when life is not steady, someone is holding you. Jesus became the ultimate homeless exile, took the affliction and accusation our sin deserved, and opened the way for us to come home to God. In this sermon, we explore what it means to run to God as our refuge, to trust His righteousness, to hope in Christ, and to praise Him even in the middle of hardship.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96Preacher: Seth Brill
Scripture: Psalm 90 Focus: Your time on earth is short, but it can be used wisely with help from the Lord. Speaker: Connor Harris, Associate Pastor Date Recorded: July 5, 2026
Who Can Dwell in the Presence of a Holy God Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on July 5, 2026 at ElmCreek Community Church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: Psalm 15
Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In Part 4 of Seated in Heavenly Places, Bishop Jim Swilley weaves together personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical wisdom to illustrate what it means to live in the “fullness of joy.” Through the renovation of his parents' former home, the symbolic return of gardenia bushes, the repair of a beloved piano, and reflections on relationships and kindness, he teaches that joy is not merely an occasional emotion—it is our natural spiritual frequency. The message centers on healing old wounds, recognizing divine synchronicities, embracing life fully, and allowing the broken places within us to “vibrate once more.” Key Quote “Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.” — Bishop Jim Swilley (quoting Fanny Crosby) Main Takeaways 1. We Are Already Seated in Heavenly Places Bishop Jim reminds listeners that heaven is not merely a future destination but a present reality. Drawing from Paul’s teaching, he emphasizes that believers have already been seated in heavenly places and are called to manifest that reality now. Scripture: Ephesians 2:6 2. Joy Is the Goal Using Hebrews 12:2 and John 16:21, he explains that difficult seasons are not meant to destroy us but to lead us toward greater joy. Like childbirth, the pain is not the destination; the new life that emerges is. Scriptures: Hebrews 12:2 John 16:21 Romans 8:18 2 Corinthians 4:17 3. Full-Circle Moments Confirm the Journey The story of removing his late mother’s old gardenia bushes only to have a landscaper independently recommend planting four new gardenias became a powerful symbol of healing, affirmation, and being in the right place spiritually. Bishop Jim encourages listeners to notice similar moments of synchronicity in their own lives. 4. Broken Chords Can Vibrate Again A piano repair revealed that expanding metal brackets were preventing the hammers from striking the strings properly. Bishop Jim uses this as a metaphor for life: hurts, disappointments, and negative words can dampen our ability to resonate with joy, but kindness and healing can restore what was lost. Scripture: John 15:11 5. Words Carry Creative Power The message highlights how deeply words affect us. Hurtful words can wound for years, while encouraging words can become lifelong anchors. Bishop Jim shares several examples of affirming statements that continued to shape and strengthen him long after they were spoken. Scriptures: Proverbs 18:21 Mark 5:34 6. Kindness Restores Human Dignity Whether encouraging a struggling young person, affirming marginalized individuals, or simply showing appreciation to workers helping with his backyard project, Bishop Jim emphasizes that kindness can restore a person’s sense of worth and help them reconnect with joy. Scriptures: Matthew 25:35-40 Luke 4:18 7. Happiness Is Holy One of the strongest themes of the message is that taking care of yourself, enjoying your life, and embracing joy are not selfish acts. They are spiritual acts. Joy is not something reserved for rare occasions; it is meant to become the atmosphere of daily living. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 Memorable Quote “Being happy is holy. Taking care of yourself is holy.” Closing Prayer Focus Bishop Jim closes by declaring that everyone listening would be awakened by kindness, restored in their broken places, and called into their highest vibrational frequency. His prayer echoes Jesus’ words: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11
Abba Father, you meet me in the midst of my big questions.Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4Keyword: Questions; relationship; all-knowing; omniscient; hope; help.Best of, Summer.
Pornography exposure is happening younger and more often than most parents realize, and it's affecting both boys and girls. In this episode, Karen and Erin Mashaw are joined by returning guest Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, for a practical conversation about what to do when your child has been exposed to pornography.If you've been avoiding this awkward conversation, today's discussion will motivate you and equip you to help your child navigate this topic.Episode Recap:We want our kids to have a plan to reject pornography when they see it (1:30)Parents underestimate kids' negative online exposure (3:30)Your kid is not bad because they are curious about sex (6:00)Girls' exposure to pornography is often through literature (8:10)Take time to compose yourself before responding (13:50)Don't blame yourself (18:00)These conversations help arm our kids against the influence of porn (22:00)Your child deserves to be prepared (27:00)Scripture: Psalm 119:9 (NIV) "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."Discussion Questions: What emotions come up when you think about having conversations about pornography with your children?What practical steps has your family taken to create open communication around technology and online safety?What would it look like for your home to be a safe place for difficult conversations?Resources:Register for the SOAR Conference today. Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderPick up a copy of Good Pictures Bad Pictures or Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Guide for GirlsArm yourself with free anti-pornography resources at Defend Young MindsConnect with Kristen online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYM/Instagram: @defendyoungmindsX: @defendYMLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/defend-young-mindsWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk+, Kristen explains what's happening in a child's brain after pornography exposure, why these images can become "sticky," and how parents can help prevent repeated viewing from becoming a long-term struggle. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 5:13"For you, Lord, bless the just one; you surround him with favor like a shield."REFLECTION- SarahMUSIC- Imbre for Piano (artist unknown)- Hanover Birds by The Birdsong ProjectNOTES- Click HERE for our newest Blog postPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
What if the stories you tell your kids reveal more about your values than you realize?In Psalm 145, David — a king with real power — does something surprising. He refuses to take credit. Instead, he points upward and says: you are the real King. And then he passes that posture on.Pastor Aaron unpacks what it looks like to build a life of praise — not as a Sunday activity, but as a daily practice that shapes perspective, forms gratitude, and leaves something worth inheriting. Because what we celebrate, we repeat. And what we repeat, we pass on.If you've ever wondered what it actually means to leave a legacy of faith — this one's for you.Scripture: Psalm 145, Isaiah 61:3Resources: Praying the Psalms — Walter Brueggemann; Reflections on the Psalms — C.S. LewisFor the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com
What do we do about our grief, sorrow, and pain? In this message from the Invitations From God in the Psalms series, we look at Psalms 42 and 43 and God's invitation to lament. These psalms give language to the experience of feeling spiritually dry, emotionally overwhelmed, and far from the comfort of God's presence. Biblical lament is not faithlessness. It is faith bringing grief, confusion, anger, loneliness, anxiety, and pain honestly before God. The psalmist cries out from a place of deep need, asks hard questions, remembers God's faithfulness, and repeatedly speaks hope to his own soul: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him.” This sermon explores why lament is a sign of faith, how lament helps us know God better, and how lament helps us understand our own hearts more honestly. We also look at how Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms and entered into lament on the cross, showing us that God welcomes our honest cries and forms us through them.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-72Preacher: Seth Brill
Pastor Dobbs ministers from Psalm 127:1 on praying to the Lord to build our families. The Lord has a vision, an order and a plan for our families as He builds our families through the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture: Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers
Pastor Dobbs ministers from Psalm 127:1 on praying to the LOrd to build our families. The Lord has a vision, an order and a plan for our families as He builds our families through the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture: Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
Cling to the Faith Mark Donaldson Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on June 28, 2026 at ElmCreek Community Church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: Psalm 11
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 71:5-6"For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you."REFLECTION- UmbertoMUSIC- "Rejoice, O Church" (St. John the Baptist Hymn)- "Our God is Greater" by Chris TomlinNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
In this episode of Ken's Corner, Ken and Brett return with a wide-ranging look at current events, cultural collapse, technology, global instability, and the need for Christians to stay awake, discerning, and hopeful in Christ.Topics include the rise of strokes among young adults, surveillance pricing in grocery stores, moral decline in American cities, Angela Merkel's legacy in Europe, pastors using AI to write sermons, Palantir and NHS patient data concerns, global food supply issues, AOC's political ambitions, a bizarre dog-related shooting story, crime statistics in Denmark, and the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.The episode closes with Psalm 8 and an encouragement to remember that even as the world grows darker, believers have no reason to fear. Christ is coming, and whether we see Him return or go to be with Him first, our hope is secure.Scripture: Psalm 8 Theme: Discernment, end-times awareness, Christian encouragement, and hope in Christ.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here: https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned. All decisions on comments are at our discretion.
Why is prayer so hard? Many Christians believe that God hears us, loves us, and welcomes us, but our actual prayer lives often feel distracted, awkward, inconsistent, or strained. Psalm 28 gives us a deeply honest picture of prayer. David cries out in desperation, asks for mercy, wrestles with the wicked, and eventually moves into praise and confidence in God. This message explores how Psalm 28 invites us to pray honestly and expect transformation. God does not invite only polished, eloquent, spiritually confident people to pray. He invites real people with messy hearts, scattered thoughts, fear, anger, doubt, and need. In this sermon, we look at why prayer is difficult, how Psalm 28 gives us permission to come honestly before God, and how prayer transforms us as we look upward to the Lord. Because of Jesus, we can come to the Father not as strangers, but as beloved sons and daughters.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 86:1–7 What do you do when you feel so tired, stretched thin, or aware of your need that even prayer feels vulnerable? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the tender image of a God who bends low to hear us. This passage gives us permission to bring our need honestly into God's presence—not as a shame statement, but as a truth statement. We explore: *Why need can feel so vulnerable *How attachment wounds shape the way we approach God *Why we often pray around our need instead of from our need *The difference between humility and shame *How God meets us in the poor and needy places of the soul Go Deeper: If you struggle to sense God's nearness, check out Dr. Alison's new book, The Secure Soul. Start reading when you pre-order now. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thanksgiving Psalms | Psalm 30 Part 3 of The Psalms: A Complete Guide to Honest Prayer with Ted ConiarisHow often do you stop to remember what God has done in your life?In this message from Psalm 30, Ted Coniaris explores the power of Thanksgiving Psalms and shows how gratitude can deepen our relationship with God. More than simply saying "thank you," biblical thanksgiving invites us to remember specific ways God has met us, rescued us, and remained faithful through every season.Psalm 30 tells the story of David's journey from self-reliance and complacency to crisis, lament, rescue, and praise. Along the way, we discover that gratitude is not merely an emotion—it's a practice that shapes our hearts and strengthens our faith.In this episode you'll learn: Why gratitude is essential for spiritual maturity How comfort can lead to spiritual complacency What Psalm 30 teaches about God's rescue and faithfulness Why sharing your story of God's goodness matters How thanksgiving strengthens both personal faith and community Practical ways to cultivate gratitude in everyday life Whether you're currently celebrating God's faithfulness or walking through a difficult season, this message will encourage you to remember, give thanks, and share your story.Scripture: Psalm 30
The table Jesus prepares for us is an ongoing invitation to allow the heaviness of our hearts to experience a taste of joy and relief. Although our hearts can often draw back from living within the hope of the story of God's promise of rescue and never-ending joy, the mysterious presence of Jesus at the table bids us welcome. The end is the ongoing feast of which we are invited to taste and experience even now in moments together at Jesus' table. Scripture: Psalm 16
In this installment of Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley continues his series on being seated in heavenly places, drawing from Ephesians 2 and Psalm 16:11. He challenges listeners to rethink joy—not as an emotional high, but as a state of presence. Using stories from his own life, the Israelites' wilderness journey, a beloved family cat nearing the end of its life, and even a tense basketball game, Bishop Jim argues that fullness of joy is found when we stop living in regret over the past or anxiety about the future and become fully present in the moment. His central revelation is that “in His presence is fullness of joy” also means learning to live in our own presence—to fully inhabit the life we are experiencing right now. Key Takeaways 1. Your Life Has a Path, Even When It Feels Circular Drawing from Psalm 16:11, Bishop Jim teaches that God shows us “the path of life,” but that path is often cyclical rather than linear. Like Israel wandering for 40 years before facing the same Jericho, many people revisit similar lessons until they learn to see their circumstances differently. Key Thought: Stop obsessing over the “should have, could have, would have” moments. Fullness of joy requires making peace with the path that brought you here. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 2. Presence Is the Gateway to Joy The core revelation of the message comes from a simple observation about a family cat that peacefully accepted the end of its life. “He was present all the way to the end.” — Bishop Jim Swilley recounting a conversation about Avery’s cat. That statement unlocked a deeper understanding of Psalm 16:11. Most people are physically present but mentally somewhere else—replaying the past, worrying about the future, or trying to solve problems that don’t yet exist. Bishop Jim shares a personal story of standing in the Gulf of Mexico on vacation while mentally sorting through future responsibilities, realizing: “My body’s in the Gulf of Mexico, but I’m not here.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Lesson: You cannot experience fullness of joy if you are not fully present. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” 3. Anxiety Pulls You Out of the Present Moment Whether it’s worrying about finances, relationships, aging, health, or the future, anxiety fragments attention and lowers our ability to experience joy. Bishop Jim contrasts this with Jesus’ teaching: Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6 — Consider the lilies. Matthew 6:34 — “Take no thought for tomorrow.” The message is not irresponsibility; it is refusing to sacrifice today’s peace for tomorrow’s uncertainty. 4. Stop Rehearsing the Stories That Keep You Sick Referencing Proverbs, Bishop Jim teaches that many people unknowingly reinforce negative realities by constantly speaking about them. Scripture: Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” He argues that there is a healthy place for processing pain, counseling, and healing, but eventually there comes a point where continuing to repeat the story keeps it alive. Key Thought: There comes a time when you stop retelling the wound and start telling a new story. 5. Don’t Make Your Joy Dependent on Other People’s Approval One of the strongest practical applications of the message is the reminder that everyone wants acceptance, but joy cannot be dependent upon it. “You got to feel good about yourself whether anybody gets it or not.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Jesus serves as the model. He never sought permission from others to live in the truth of who He was. Scriptures Referenced: John 8:58 — “Before Abraham was, I am.” John 10:18 — “No man takes my life, I lay it down.” 6. God Is Not Against Pleasure Bishop Jim closes by examining the final phrase of Psalm 16:11: “At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He contrasts this with religious systems that often treat pleasure, enjoyment, and happiness as suspicious or sinful. Using Jesus turning water into wine at Cana as an example, he argues that God is not opposed to joy, celebration, or abundance. Scripture: John 2 — The wedding at Cana. His conclusion is that many religious traditions have taught people to expect struggle, guilt, and stress, while Scripture repeatedly points toward joy, peace, and life. Memorable Quote “You can’t have fullness of joy if you’re not present.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Scripture Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Final Thought The heart of this message is simple but profound: joy is not found in fixing the past or controlling the future. It is found in fully inhabiting the present moment. According to Bishop Jim, the highest vibration, the heavenly place, and the fullness of joy are all experienced when we stop living somewhere else and become fully present to the life unfolding right in front of us.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 17, 2000. Series: Four Ways to Live, Four Ways to Love. Scripture: Psalm 103:1-2, 8-18. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 10, 2000. Series: Four Ways to Live, Four Ways to Love. Scripture: Psalm 107:31-43. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 34: 4-8In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on what it means to bring fear into the presence of God. Instead of shaming fear or trying to force it away, she offers a compassionate way to recognize the fearful places within us and return to love. We explore:*Why fear can become a quiet but powerful inner leader*How fear and shame work together to keep us hiding*What it means to recognize fear without letting it run the whole system*Why “taste and see” invites us to experience God's goodness in an embodied way*How secure attachment with God begins as we bring fearful parts of us into loving presence Go Deeper:Recognize fearful places within through Dr. Alison's new book & workbook The Secure Soul - you can start reading today when you preorder! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SCRIPTURE- Psalm 8:2-3"O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth! I will sing of your majesty above the heavens with the mouths of babes and infants."REFLECTION- Sr. KathleenMUSIC- Ave Regina Caelorum by VOCES8NOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.